Central Refrigerated - CDL School Itinerary & Conditions

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The Central Refrigerated CDL Schooling Itinerary

Describe the school itinerary a bit

The first two weeks are spent at the training facility approximately 10hr days, 6 days per week (accelerated course). This includes a mix of classroom, pre-trip, local driving, and backing practice. After approximately 2 weeks, the CDL exam is administered.

How long is the training?

CDL schooling lasts approximately 2 weeks but can be extended to 3 weeks for those who need further individual attention.

The Central Refrigerated CDL Schooling Itinerary

How much time on the range learning backing skills?

While there is no set amount of time spent on the backing range, students will spend time on various maneuvers depending on their individual strengths and weaknesses.

On the practice range, how many students share one truck and trainer?

No more than 4 students per truck and trainer.

How much time is spent in the classroom?

Approximately 40hrs, possibly more depending on the student.

TruckingTruth's Notes On The CDL Training Itinerary

Our overall impression is that this is a very fast paced CDL training program. Depending on you as an individual, this could be either a good thing or something that should persuade you from the program. If you learn well in a fast paced environment and are interested in making money as quickly as possible, this is a great option. But if you're someone who generally learns well at a slower pace, this program may not be for you.

On The Road Training Itinerary And Policies

Is the training period based on number of days, number of driving hours, number of miles, or some combination?

All students must drive with a company trainer for a minimum of 35 days and 19,000 miles (combined miles between student and trainer).

How much will I be making when I'm on the road with a trainer?

Training pay is $450 per week the first two weeks and $500 for each remaining week.

Do they run your trainer and you as a "team" operations or like a solo truck?

Students and trainers initially drive as a solo dispatched truck. When the trainer decides the student is safe enough to drive alone, the truck is then dispatched as a team operation.

On The Road Training Itinerary And Policies

Is there more than one student per trainer and truck?

No, company training is one-on-one instruction.

Do you have a "No sleeping in the top bunk while the truck is rolling" policy?

While the truck is in motion, no student or trainer may sleep on the top bunk.

What is your policy for handling disputes between trainer and student?

Any disputes are handled on a case-by-case basis.

On The Road Training Itinerary And Policies

What are the company's minimum qualifications to be a trainer?

You need a minimum of 6 months safe driving experience to be a trainer

Can you get a non-smoking trainer?

Yes, a smoking or non-smoking trainer may be requested.

TruckingTruth's Notes About The Training Program

The company paid training program sounds above average. We believe the program strikes a good balance as it's not too short yet not unnecessarily long, either. The compensation package while in training is above the average training pay for most companies. Overall, this seems like an excellent company training program.

Going Solo After Training Is Complete - Pay & Benefits

How much will I be making once I'm running solo in my own truck?

First year average is $35,000 to $40,000.

Central Refrigerated Pay Per Mile Based Upon Experience:

0-6 mos.: $.28

6-12 mos.: $.29

1-2 yrs.: $.30

2-3 yrs.: $.305

3-4 yrs.: $.31

4-5 yrs.: $.315

Central Refrigerated Company Driver Pay

When will I receive pay increases?

Upon going solo, drivers start at $.28cpm. At 6 months drivers receive a 1 cpm increase, another 1 cpm increase a year after that and 1/2 cent increases each year thereafter. Various bonuses are also offered (see below).

Do You Pay Bonuses?

Idle Time: Drivers are allowed to have a 30% idle time. Anything under 20% drivers receive a 1cpm bonus. 20 to 25% idle the driver receives 1/2cpm bonus. Over 25% no bonus. Idling over 30% is allowed with certain exceptions such as extreme weather.

Productivity bonus: 1cpm if a driver has more than 10,500 miles for the month.

Central Refrigerated Company Driver Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision is available to all full-time employees of Central Refrigerated Service, Inc. and their eligible dependents beginning 90 days after the start of company training (CDL schooling does not count toward the 90 day wait period).

After five (5) years of continuous, full-time employment, the Company pays 1/4 of the health insurance premiums. After ten (10) years of continuous, full-time employment, the Company pays 1/2 of the health insurance premiums.

Vacation Time and 401k

What is the vacation time policy?

Drivers earn 7 days off after 1 year and 14 days off after 5 years. Pay is based on their average weekly pay from the previous year.

Do you offer 401k?

Yes, you may elect to begin making salary reduction contributions to the plan after you have completed 90 days of service with Central Refrigerated.

TruckingTruth's View On Central Refrigerated's Pay And Benefits

Overall, the pay and benefits are about average and comparable to most other trucking companies in the refrigerated sector. Vacation time, bonus incentives, and cost of benefits are also right on par with the industry average.

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